Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) is a surgical procedure that treats cranial (or anterior – ACL) cruciate ligament rupture in the knee joint (stifle) of dogs. This is a very common condition and TPLO is the most common procedure we perform.

In the early stages dogs with cruciate ligament problems are often stiff, especially when they get up from resting. Over time the lameness becomes more obvious and persistent and eventually the ligament will rupture completely. Surgery involves changing the angle of the tibial joint surface in the knee. The top of the tibia, just below the knee, is cut, rotated and stabilised in a new position with a plate and screws. The good news is that TPLO works very well and can get dogs back to full activity. Studies have shown that dogs are more likely to fully recover after TPLO than after other surgeries for cruciate problems.